There are many more options today for residential water heaters than the standard storage tank model. (This is the water heater most people think of first, and they’re still the most common in the U.S.) One choice that’s available is the heat pump water heater, which has plenty to recommend it.

How a heat pump water heater works

First, to answer the big question, “What is it?” A heat pump water heater is essentially a storage tank water heater that raises the temperature of water through the process of heat exchange, rather than burning an energy source. The conventional tank water heater either burns natural gas or uses electrical resistance heating to raise the water temperature; i.e. they create heat by consuming an energy source.

But a heat pump doesn’t create heat: what it does is move heat from one location and release it into another. It uses the technology of a heat pump do to this. A heat pump works much the same way as an air conditioner, although running in reverse. Refrigerant circulating through the system absorbs heat from air around the water heater by evaporating the refrigerant. The heat is then released to the water in the tank through condensing coils.

Why you should considering installing one

There are a number of advantages to consider with a heat pump water heater, but there are two significant ones that make the biggest difference for potential buyers:

• Energy efficiency: Moving heat through a heat exchanger is less energy-consuming than creating heat through burning fuel. This is especially true for electric water heaters. If you don’t have access to natural gas in your home and must rely on an electrical-powered water heating system, a heat pump water heater will save you a great deal of money over a standard electric water heater.
• Safety: Heat pump technology is safe, and for people who don’t want to use natural gas in their home, a heat pump water heater is a good alternative to the basic electric water heater.

To arrange for a heat pump water heater installation, call Bud Matthews Services in Durham, NC.